Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Enhanced e-Visa System
Nigeria's e-Visa platform has been upgraded for faster processing, allowing most applicants to receive approvals within 48 hours for a fee of $100-200 depending on nationality. This digital system reduces paperwork and enables online payments, but always verify requirements via the official portal to avoid entry denials at airports like Lagos or Abuja.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Nigeria, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. This is a strict rule enforced at all ports of entry, including major airports and land borders.
Ensure your passport isn't damaged or altered, as this can lead to immediate refusal of entry; renew early if needed.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of ECOWAS member states (like Ghana, Benin, and Senegal) can enter visa-free for up to 90 days, promoting regional travel within West Africa. However, non-ECOWAS visitors from most countries require a visa in advance.
Always confirm your nationality's status on the Nigerian Immigration Service website, as exemptions can change based on diplomatic relations.
Visa Applications
Apply for an e-Visa online through the official Nigerian portal (immigration.gov.ng), submitting scanned documents like passport photos, flight itineraries, proof of accommodation, and financial statements showing at least $50 per day of stay. The process costs $100-200 and typically takes 5-10 business days.
Include a yellow fever vaccination certificate, as it's mandatory for entry and checked rigorously at borders.
Border Crossings
Airports like Murtala Muhammed in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe in Abuja handle most international arrivals with e-Visa scanners for quick processing, though expect security checks and possible delays due to high traffic. Land borders with Benin or Cameroon require pre-arranged visas and can involve longer waits.
Visa-on-arrival is available for select nationalities at major airports, but pre-approval is recommended to avoid queues and potential refusals.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical evacuations (essential in remote areas like the Yankari Game Reserve), trip delays, and theft, given Nigeria's variable infrastructure. Policies should include coverage for tropical diseases and start from $2-5 per day.
Choose providers familiar with African travel, and carry printed policy details for immigration officials who may request proof.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 90 additional days can be applied for at the Nigerian Immigration Service offices in major cities like Lagos or Abuja, requiring reasons like business or tourism extensions, plus fees of ₦30,000-50,000. Submit applications at least two weeks before expiration with supporting documents.
Overstaying without extension incurs fines of ₦5,000 per day and potential deportation, so plan ahead for longer explorations.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Nigeria uses the Nigerian Naira (₦). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Lagos or Abuja by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during peak dry season travel.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at bukas (local eateries) for affordable meals like jollof rice under ₦2,000, skipping upscale restaurants to save up to 60% on food costs.
Visit bustling markets like Balogun in Lagos for fresh fruits, spices, and street snacks at bargain prices, often half the cost of tourist spots.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for shared taxis or BRT buses in cities for ₦500-1,000 daily, far cheaper than private rides, and negotiate fares upfront.
For intercity travel, use affordable train services from Lagos to Abuja at ₦5,000-10,000, including scenic routes through the countryside.
Free Attractions
Explore public beaches like Tarkwa Bay, national parks' entry points, and vibrant street festivals in Abuja, all cost-free and immersing you in Nigerian culture.
Many museums and galleries offer free entry on weekends or national holidays, providing rich historical insights without extra spend.
Card vs Cash
ATMs are widespread in urban areas for Naira withdrawals, but carry cash for rural spots and markets where cards aren't accepted.
Avoid airport exchanges for poor rates; use bank ATMs or mobile money apps like OPay for better value and lower fees.
Combo Tickets
Purchase multi-site passes for attractions like the Lekki Conservation Centre and Nike Art Gallery at ₦10,000-15,000, covering several visits and saving 20-30%.
These are ideal for cultural hubs in Lagos, paying off quickly with bundled access to exhibits and guided experiences.
Smart Packing for Nigeria
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothes for the hot, humid climate, including long sleeves and pants for sun protection and modest cultural sites like mosques in Kano.
Include quick-dry layers for sudden rains and conservative attire for northern regions to respect local customs and avoid unwanted attention.
Electronics
Bring adapters for Type D/G plugs (240V), a portable power bank due to frequent outages, offline maps for spotty internet, and a durable phone case.
Download translation apps for local languages like Hausa or Yoruba, and a VPN for secure browsing in urban Wi-Fi hotspots.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive health kit with antimalarials, mosquito repellent, antidiarrheal meds, and a yellow fever certificate (mandatory). Include high-SPF sunscreen and rehydration salts for the tropical heat.
Pack a money belt or secure pouch for valuables, given pickpocketing risks in crowded markets, and emergency contacts for local clinics.
Travel Gear
Opt for a lightweight backpack for day trips to places like the Osun-Osogbo Grove, plus a reusable water bottle (for bottled water only) and microfiber towel.
Bring multiple copies of your passport and visa, a flashlight for power cuts, and a lock for hostel lockers in budget accommodations.
Footwear Strategy
Choose closed-toe sandals or lightweight hiking shoes for dusty roads in the north and muddy trails during wet season explorations in Cross River.
Comfortable sneakers are ideal for urban walking in Lagos, while waterproof boots prevent slips on wet pavements; avoid open sandals in rural areas to dodge insects.
Personal Care
Include DEET-based insect repellent, antifungal creams for humid conditions, and travel-sized wet wipes for hygiene in areas with limited facilities.
Pack lip balm, moisturizer for dry Harmattan winds, and a compact rain poncho; eco-friendly toiletries help minimize impact on Nigeria's diverse environments.
When to Visit Nigeria
Dry Season (November-March)
Perfect for wildlife safaris in Yankari or Gashaka-Gumti with sunny days at 25-35°C and minimal rain, ideal for road trips across the savannas.
Festivals like the Lagos Carnival thrive in this cooler, dust-free period, with comfortable conditions for outdoor adventures and fewer mosquitoes.
Harmattan (December-February)
The dry, windy season brings cooler northern temps of 15-25°C, great for hiking Jos Plateau or exploring ancient cities like Kano without intense heat.
Expect hazy skies from Saharan dust, but it's prime time for cultural events and markets; pack masks for dust and enjoy the crisp evenings.
Wet Season (June-October)
Lush greenery and waterfalls peak in the south at 25-30°C with heavy afternoon rains, suiting eco-tours in Obudu or birdwatching in wetlands.
Fewer crowds mean better deals, but plan indoor activities like museum visits in Abuja; roads can flood, so stick to major routes.
Shoulder Seasons (April-May, October-November)
Transitional periods with moderate 28-32°C temps and sporadic showers offer balanced weather for beach time in Calabar or city hopping in Enugu.
Lower prices on accommodations and flights make it budget-friendly, with blooming landscapes and harvest festivals adding vibrant local flavor.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Nigerian Naira (₦). Exchange rates fluctuate; cards accepted in cities but cash essential for rural areas and markets.
- Language: English is official, with over 500 local languages like Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo; English suffices in tourist spots.
- Time Zone: West Africa Time (WAT), UTC+1
- Electricity: 240V, 50Hz. Type D/G plugs (three-pin square or two-pin round); power outages common, so bring backups.
- Emergency Number: 112 for police, medical, or fire; also 767 for rapid response in some states
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; 10% in restaurants, ₦100-500 for porters or guides
- Water: Tap water unsafe; drink bottled or purified only to avoid health risks
- Pharmacies: Widely available in urban areas; look for "Chemist" signs for over-the-counter meds